Team news: Washington Commanders | Page 11

Austin Ekeler, Larry Rountree and Joshua Kelley all got work at running back with the first-team offense. Isaiah Spiller continues to play primarily with the second and third teams.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree

The story added Spiller is starting to show the physical play. We have Spiller second on the team's depth chart behind Ekeler, and it's the physical, between the tackles runs that should get him to the point where he's a possible one-two punch with Ekeler.

Eight days into camp and quarterback Josh Allen has connected with Isaiah McKenzie on a daily basis; McKenzie has routinely had the ball thrown his way during red zone drills.

Related players: Jamison Crowder

The story went on to say the two have great communication and are continuing to build on the chemistry as the season draws nearer. That development has helped McKenzie understand how to run his routes to get open at the right time. The team brought in Crowder to play the slot but he missed some time early on and reports said McKenzie was taking advantage.

When it comes to running backs with the Chiefs’ first team, it’s been Clyde Edwards-Helaire taking the first rep almost every series.

Related players: Jerick McKinnon, Isiah Pacheco, Ronald Jones, Derrick Gore

The tweet went on to say McKinnon has usually been the next up with Pacheco, Jones and Gore mixing in from time to time. It's obviously not great news for Jones, but we're still early in the game as far as camp goes.

While discussing Antonio Gibson's lingering hamstring injury, Washington beat reporter Ben Standig mentioned, "at a minimum, Robinson is expected to handle short-yardage work", which would give the rookie a floor as a goal-line back.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic

Standig also mentions, "Washington plans to find ways to get Gibson the ball in space rather than force him inside.". That sounds fine on paper, but the Commanders made sure that they brought back J.D. McKissic to repeat his third-down role, creating a logjam in the backfield with no real upside for any of the three pieces.

Washington plans to find ways to get Antonio Gibson the ball in space rather than force him inside. Part of the logic involves limiting wear and tear. The presence of rookie Brian Robinson affords that shift.

The Commanders, having already retained pass catching specialist J.D. McKissic, selected the Alabama standout known for power and ball security in the third round. At a minimum, Robinson is expected to handle short-yardage work, duties given to Gibson last season following the release of Peyton Barber.

Rivera called Robinson "a big, strong, powerful downhill runner, more so than anything else.” The story said Robinson popped some solid runs while primarily holding down first-team duties Wednesday. He’ll receive ample work with the starters as long as this cautious approach with Gibson remains, it went on to say.

In Popper's post-draft look at the Chargers' depth chart, he notably listed rookie RB Isaiah Spiller ahead of incumbents Larry Rountree III and Joshua Kelley. "Finding a reliable backup behind Ekeler was a priority for general manager Tom Telesco and coach Brandon Staley this offseason, and they think they found that player in Spiller," wrote Popper.

Spiller has similar draft capital than Kelley (4th) and higher capital than Rountree (6th), and is arguably a better pass catcher than both heading into training camp. Spiller appears to be a dynasty player to target should Ekeler get hurt and has later-round value in redraft so long as he does not stumble out the gate.

The Atlanta Falcons have signed QB Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal.

Related Player: Feleipe Franks

Shortly after trading Matt Ryan, the Falcons add Mariota. The former Raider and Titan rejoins Arthur Smith in Atlanta. The two worked together in Tennessee. As of today, Mariota has little competition at quarterback, but that could change once the NFL Draft starts.

The Chicago Bears have signed WR Byron Pringle to a one-year deal.

Pringle served as a wideout and returner for the Chiefs. He will see a similar role as the Bears add wide receivers to a position of need.

TE Zach Ertz is staying with Arizona, signing a three-year deal.

Ertz was a strong play with Kyler Murray and can continue to be a TE1-type player as long as he stays on the field.